Worker Protection Standard Info Center

The EPA is in the process of updating the Worker Protection Standard (WPS). First established in 1974, the WPS was created to protect those that work with pesticides and run the risk of pesticide poisoning. The last revision was completed in 1992. The new proposed standard is expected to be finalized in 2015. GEMPLER'S is your source for WPS resources. Read on for more information on the proposed updates, and keep checking back as we will update the information and add new compliance materials as needed.

Either oral or posted notification is acceptable for Restricted Entry Intervals (REI) of any length, unless pesticide labeling requires both.

Require posting of treated areas when REI is greater than 48 hours.

Minimum Age Requirements

Current

Proposed

No minimum age for pesticide handlers and early-entry workers

No minimum age requirement for members of owner's immediate family

Require pesticide handlers and early-entry workers to be 16 years old

Members of owner's immediate family are exempt from this WPS requirement

No Entry Buffer Areas

Current

Proposed

Only applies in nurseries and greenhouses.

Prohibit entry into 25-100 foot buffer areas around a field during pesticide application on farms, forests, nurseries and greenhouses to protect from overspray. Buffer area will depend on type of application.

Personal Protective Equipment Requirements

Current

Proposed

Employer must provide the respirator listed on the pesticide label and ensure that it fits. Recordkeeping is not required.

Adopt OSHA standard for respirators

Fit testing, medical evaluations and training for respirators would now be required. Recordkeeping to document completion of these requirements

Hazard Communication

Current

Proposed

No requirement to make safety information available to workers, handlers, authorized representatives, such as application-specific information, labeling and safety data sheets (SDS).

Require this information to be made available to all parties and retain information for 2 years.

Notification for Early Entry Workers

Current

Proposed

Early-entry workers must be informed only of the hazards written on pesticide labels.

Early-entry for workers in rare circumstances. In these situations, there must be notification of the pesticide application, specific task performed, amount of time worker is allowed to remain in area, along with pesticide labeling information.

Definitions

Current

Proposed

Definition of a family farm does not include family members, such as grandparents, grandchildren and in-laws.

Expand definition of "immediate family" to more accurately reflect farm families that qualify for the exemption from most WPS requirements.